Legal Aid Act, 2012
The Act establishing a national legal aid scheme in Sierra Leone to provide access to justice for the poor and vulnerable.
Summary
The Legal Aid Act, 2012 established a national legal aid scheme in Sierra Leone to improve access to justice for indigent and vulnerable people. It was a pioneering law in the region, providing for both legal representation and wider legal assistance.
The Act establishes the Legal Aid Board to administer the scheme and provides for the delivery of legal aid in criminal and civil matters, including advice, assistance and representation. It notably provides for the use of paralegals and accredited civil-society organisations, as well as lawyers, to deliver legal aid and legal education, extending reach beyond the formal legal profession.
It gives practical effect to the constitutional right to a fair trial and to access to justice.
Main provisions
- Establishes a national legal aid scheme and the Legal Aid Board.
- Provides legal advice, assistance and representation to the indigent.
- Covers both criminal and civil matters.
- Provides for delivery of legal aid by lawyers, paralegals and accredited organisations.
- Advances access to justice and the right to a fair trial.